“Trojan:Slocker” tech support scam, often disguised as the official Microsoft website, poses a grave threat. It spreads via deceptive websites and pop-up windows, like the “Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert.”
The “Trojan:Slocker” Scam falsely claims device infections, urging victims to call “Microsoft Support.” Once connected, scammers can disable security tools, extract sensitive data, and even install malware. They demand exorbitant fees for phony services and use untraceable methods to extort money. Victims are at risk of repeated targeting. Immediate action is crucial, including disconnecting from the internet, removing remote access software.
“Trojan:Slocker” Scam Overview
Our researchers uncovered the “Trojan:Slocker” pop-up scam during a probe into deceptive websites. This scam falsely claims that the visitor’s device is infected with trojan/ransomware, compelling them to dial the given helpline. It’s important to note that this scheme can be preceded by the “Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert” pop-up. Emphasizing that these infection claims are fraudulent and that this content has no affiliation with the Microsoft Corporation or any of its products or services.
Screenshot of a pop-up scam.
| Name | “Trojan:Slocker” Scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Tech Support Scammer Phone Number | +1 (866) 777-1016 |
| Symptoms | Fake error messages, fake system warnings, pop-up errors, hoax computer scan. |
| Distribution methods | Compromised websites, rogue online pop-up ads, potentially unwanted applications. |
| Similar behavitor | “Your computer is disabled. Please call Microsoft”, “Your Windows 10 is infected with viruses” |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, possible malware infections. |
| Fix Tool | In order to get rid of any potential malware infections, it is recommended that you use a trustworthy antivirus software. |
Technical Analysis of “Trojan:Slocker” Scam
The website promoting this scam masquerades as Microsoft’s official site and bombards users with multiple pop-up windows, including one named “Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert”. The foremost pop-up falsely asserts that the user’s device is infected with “Trojan:Slocker,” putting personal and financial data at risk. It urgently advises contacting “Microsoft Support” to eliminate the ransomware. As previously noted, all the information presented by this scam is fabricated, and it has no affiliation with Microsoft or any of its products or services.
This scheme can be triggered by initiating a call to the fraudulent helpline and may transpire entirely over the phone. Scammers, posing as “support” or “Microsoft-certified technicians,” attempt to deceive victims into revealing sensitive information, initiating financial transactions, or installing malware.
Most tech support scams involve cybercriminals gaining remote access to users’ devices, often facilitated through legitimate software such as AnyDesk, UltraViewer, TeamViewer, or similar applications.
How serious is this?
The “Trojan:Slocker” tech support scam is a highly serious and potentially devastating threat. It operates through deceptive websites and pop-up windows, often masquerading as the official Microsoft website. The scam falsely claims that the victim’s device is infected with “Trojan:Slocker,” putting personal and financial data at risk, and urgently advises contacting “Microsoft Support” to eliminate the ransomware. Once victims initiate contact, scammers can execute a series of malicious actions with grave consequences. They have the capability to disable or remove genuine security tools, install counterfeit anti-virus software, extract sensitive information and funds, and infect the system with various forms of malware, including trojans, ransomware, and cryptominers.
Data of interest to these cybercriminals includes login credentials for email, social media, e-commerce, online banking, and cryptowallets, as well as personally identifiable information and financial details like banking account information and credit card numbers. Furthermore, the “services” offered by scammers come at exorbitant costs, and they employ difficult-to-trace methods for extorting money, such as cryptocurrencies, prepaid vouchers, gift cards, and even cash hidden in packages sent through the mail. Moreover, successfully scammed victims are often targeted repeatedly, compounding the severity of the issue.
Remove Trojan:Slocker Scam with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware
We have also been using this software on our systems ever since, and it has always been successful in detecting viruses. It has blocked the most common Adware as shown from our tests with the software, and we assure you that it can remove Trojan:Slocker Scam as well as other malware hiding on your computer.
To use Gridinsoft for remove malicious threats, follow the steps below:
1. Begin by downloading Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, accessible via the blue button below or directly from the official website gridinsoft.com.
2.Once the Gridinsoft setup file (setup-gridinsoft-fix.exe) is downloaded, execute it by clicking on the file.
3.Follow the installation setup wizard's instructions diligently.
4. Access the "Scan Tab" on the application's start screen and launch a comprehensive "Full Scan" to examine your entire computer. This inclusive scan encompasses the memory, startup items, the registry, services, drivers, and all files, ensuring that it detects malware hidden in all possible locations.
Be patient, as the scan duration depends on the number of files and your computer's hardware capabilities. Use this time to relax or attend to other tasks.
5. Upon completion, Anti-Malware will present a detailed report containing all the detected malicious items and threats on your PC.
6. Select all the identified items from the report and confidently click the "Clean Now" button. This action will safely remove the malicious files from your computer, transferring them to the secure quarantine zone of the anti-malware program to prevent any further harmful actions.
8. If prompted, restart your computer to finalize the full system scan procedure. This step is crucial to ensure thorough removal of any remaining threats. After the restart, Gridinsoft Anti-Malware will open and display a message confirming the completion of the scan.
Remember Gridinsoft offers a 6-day free trial. This means you can take advantage of the trial period at no cost to experience the full benefits of the software and prevent any future malware infections on your system. Embrace this opportunity to fortify your computer's security without any financial commitment.
Trojan Killer for “Trojan:Slocker Scam” removal on locked PC
In situations where it becomes impossible to download antivirus applications directly onto the infected computer due to malware blocking access to websites, an alternative solution is to utilize the Trojan Killer application.
There is a really little number of security tools that are able to be set up on the USB drives, and antiviruses that can do so in most cases require to obtain quite an expensive license. For this instance, I can recommend you to use another solution of GridinSoft - Trojan Killer Portable. It has a 14-days cost-free trial mode that offers the entire features of the paid version. This term will definitely be 100% enough to wipe malware out.
Trojan Killer is a valuable tool in your cybersecurity arsenal, helping you to effectively remove malware from infected computers. Now, we will walk you through the process of using Trojan Killer from a USB flash drive to scan and remove malware on an infected PC. Remember, always obtain permission to scan and remove malware from a computer that you do not own.
Step 1: Download & Install Trojan Killer on a Clean Computer:
1. Go to the official GridinSoft website (gridinsoft.com) and download Trojan Killer to a computer that is not infected.
2. Insert a USB flash drive into this computer.
3. Install Trojan Killer to the "removable drive" following the on-screen instructions.
4. Once the installation is complete, launch Trojan Killer.
Step 2: Update Signature Databases:
5. After launching Trojan Killer, ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet.
6. Click "Update" icon to download the latest signature databases, which will ensure the tool can detect the most recent threats.
Step 3: Scan the Infected PC:
7. Safely eject the USB flash drive from the clean computer.
8. Boot the infected computer to the Safe Mode.
9. Insert the USB flash drive.
10. Run tk.exe
11. Once the program is open, click on "Full Scan" to begin the malware scanning process.
Step 4: Remove Found Threats:
12. After the scan is complete, Trojan Killer will display a list of detected threats.
13. Click on "Cure PC!" to remove the identified malware from the infected PC.
14. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer:
15. Once the threats are removed, click on "Restart PC" to reboot your computer.
16. Remove the USB flash drive from the infected computer.
Congratulations on effectively removing Trojan:Slocker Scam and the concealed threats from your computer! You can now have peace of mind, knowing that they won't resurface again. Thanks to Gridinsoft's capabilities and commitment to cybersecurity, your system is now protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Reformatting your storage device should only be considered as a last resort for removing Trojan:Slocker Scam malware. Prior to taking such drastic action, it is advisable to perform a comprehensive scan using trustworthy antivirus or anti-malware software.
Malware poses a significant risk to the security and privacy of sensitive information, potentially leading to identity theft, financial loss, and unauthorized access to personal accounts. Furthermore, it can disrupt the normal operation of a system, causing performance issues, system crashes, and data corruption.
The purpose of Trojan:Slocker Scam is to enable remote access and control of compromised devices. It allows threat actors to perform various malicious activities, such as unauthorized access, data theft, system manipulation, and disabling security measures, potentially causing significant harm to individuals and organizations.
Gridinsoft Anti-Malware has the ability to identify and eliminate most malware infections. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that sophisticated malware can remain hidden deep within the system. Consequently, conducting a complete system scan is imperative to detect and eradicate malware.
How to Remove Trojan:Slocker Scam Malware
Name: Trojan:Slocker Scam
Description: The "Trojan:Slocker" tech support scam is a grave threat, typically presenting itself as the official Microsoft website. It propagates through deceptive websites and pop-up windows, including the "Ransomware EXE.01092-1_Alert." This scam falsely claims device infections, urging victims to call "Microsoft Support." Once connected, scammers can disable security tools, extract sensitive data, and install malware. They demand exorbitant fees for fake services, often utilizing untraceable payment methods. Victims are also at risk of repeated targeting. This scam's spreading methods and malicious actions make it a serious concern, with potential for significant harm. Staying vigilant and taking immediate action when encountering such scams is crucial to safeguard personal and financial information.
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Malware
